CIDP Concentrations

Whereas the core course requirements for the MSA in Community and International Development provide limited options in terms of how they are fulfilled, the opposite is true of the concentration requirements.

The concentration area is selected by individual choice and will draw on Behavioral Sciences faculty strengths and utilize courses offered throughout the university. The program director/advisor, in consultation with the student, will select a minimum of 12 credits of elective courses related to the chosen concentration to meet the student’s career goals.

The field practicum and research project/thesis will be related to the area of the concentration emphasis in order to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chosen specialization area.

Suggested concentration areas

Suggested courses that may apply to a specific concentration are outlined below. The schools and departments regulate policies that govern the elective courses offered as part of the concentration package. Some elective courses may have pre-requisites and should be discussed in advance with the program director/advisor for guidance in completing the concentration. However, please note that the list contains suggested courses; it is not exhaustive. Students may suggest alternative courses, with proper argumentation, and discuss alternatives with the program director/advisor. See the university Bulletin for more information on alternative classes, transfer requirements, etc.

The Field Practicum and Research Project/Thesis will necessarily be related to the area of concentration in order to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chosen area, and with the possibility of applying coursework in practice. Students are required to undertake a 300-hour internship through a field placement with a domestic, national, or international organization/project. Internships are based on prior approval and advice from the program director. Arrangements for the internship will be made by the program director/advisor pending availability and feasibility of the placement proposed by the student.

Planning Your Concentration

Concentrations are built into the program to enhance the expertise of the student in a particular area, providing a multitude of flexible ways to complete them. Due to this flexibility, as well as to the various options available, students should start planning for their concentration from the very beginning of the program.
The key person assisting with this planning is the academic advisor. Students will be referred to a concentration advisor as they decide for a particular topic of interest.

Selecting a Concentration

A concentration is a centering of your program of study in one field of learning in which you expect to do work on advanced level. In selecting a field to concentrate in, you should be mindful of the following:
• Previous learning that could serve as a foundation for your
concentration, such as a background in agriculture, social work, health,
or engineering.
• Future plans that you may have with regard to work and study which
you would like to begin to build toward.
• Current or emergent opportunities in your place of employment for
which you would like to prepare yourself to be involved.
• Availability of training opportunities in a possible area of concentration
through Andrews University, your employer, a local university, or a
distance learning program of which you are aware.
• Recommendations of your academic advisor with regard to what is
doable given the policies and requirements of the MSA program.

Minimum Requirements for Concentrations

In building your concentration students should keep in mind the following minimum expectations of all concentrations:
• Must include a minimum of 12 semester credits of concentration
coursework, as presented in the bulletin.
• Must include a practicum component consisting of 300 hours of training
directly related to the concentration. It is highly recommended that
students will take their field practicum in concentration-related areas.
The field practicum will count for an additional 1 credit beyond
concentration coursework.
• Must include a research component carried out by the student with
supervision by an expert in the student’s field of choice.
• Must include a comprehensive exam component to be written by the
student in connection with the general comprehensive exam.

Plan of Work for Concentrations

When planning for the concentration, students should be considering the following issues:
• Core courses offer opportunities to work on assignments that might
relate to the area of concentration.
• The practicum requirement for the degree should be planned to
include/relate to the practicum required for the concentration.
• The research requirement for the degree should be planned to focus
on a topic directly related to the concentration area.
• Supervised independent study in a concentration area is an option that
might be allowed for completing the concentration, once the main
courses for that concentration are covered.
• For courses included in the concentration package, that have
prerequisites, students should plan in advance with the academic
advisor and the concentration advisor, to meet the requirements for
registering for those classes.
• If there is interest for more than one area of concentration, students
should discuss this issue with the academic advisor. Students have the
option of taking an extra graduate certificate in an area of interest,
besides the 6 minimum credits for the concentration required for the
degree. Also, for related areas, concentration could be planned to
include broader students' interests.

AdvocacyPLSC585 - Seminar in International Relations -3 cr
An examination of the study and practice of international relations, including the roles played by nation states, international organizations, international law, power, morality, globalization and terrorism. Special emphasis will be placed on alternative theories and models that have been employed in the study and practice of international relations from classical antiquity to the present.PREL510 - Advancement and Communication (Public Relations) - 2 cr
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit arena, including working with volunteers, promoting and positioning various service organizations. Communication with relevant publics.SOCI515 - Racial and Ethnic Relations - 3cr
A study of the distinctive racial and cultural minorities in American society with an emphasis on problems and adjustments within the larger society.CIDS560 - Political Economy of Development
Overview of the political economy of developing countries and the complex interplay of international system, international economic and political economy factors that influence development initiatives and outcomes. Discuss the relation of globalization, trade, aid, and international economic and development institutions on development activity. Specific topics include development and economic policy, civil society, alternative development models, democracy, authoritarianism, sustainable development and gender. CIDS580 - Organizational & Community Leadership - 1-2 cr
Focus on leadership theories and strategies. Students develop the capacity to apply these theories and strategies adaptively in leadership situations within organizational and community context. Students explore how leadership styles, communication, planning, organizing, decision making, and marketing impact organizational and community change. CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr

EDCI650 - Curriculum Design and Development - 3 cr
The study of specific curriculum design models to aid educators with the analysis, development, and improvement of curriculum at specific education levels. Includes development of a curriculum project. EDIC696 - Project Implementation - 1-2 cr
Students are expected to make practical application of an educational theory through practical implementation and supervision of an instruction and/or curriculum project. Students are expected to collect field-based data related to such functions, and, with such data, revise the original project. CIDS550 - Education for Sustainable Development - 3 cr
Provides an overview of education for sustainability. Focuses on international projects and organizations that address education for sustainable development. Explores education as a means to address development issues such as social justice, poverty, food security, globalization, etc. Covers different educational approaches and models that ensure a health environment, vibrant community, and equitable society. SOCI 565 - Demography - 3 cr
Overview of the world's population; spatial dimensions of human populations; fertility concepts, measurements, trends, levels and explanations; mortality and migration; population structures, life chances; population growth, economic development, and the environment.EDCI684 - International Perspectives on Curriculum - 3 cr
A survey of theoretical and practical implications of internationalization on curriculum studies. Designed to familiarize students with a variety of international perspectives and voices, this course examines the process of curriculum theorizing and implementation practiced across national borders. Course experiences include selected readings, book reviews, small group discussions, personal critique and mini-lectures. Participants will evaluate learning environments, reflect on diverse points-of-view, critique individual cultural conditioning, and develop awareness of how various perspectives influence curriculum development, student learning and success in an increasingly global community.CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr

Emergency Preparedness & Management

SOCI555 - Emergency Planning - 2 cr
Principles of emergency planning used in any type of disaster. Includes working with volunteers, handling special events, evacuation, mass fatalities, planning for schools, and homeland security planning. Includes satisfactory completion of FEMA-provided modules in Professional Development Series.COMM535 - Crisis Communication - 2 cr
Understanding communication during crisis conditions. Planning, preventing, and anticipating Public Relations emergencies. Preparing a crisis communication's plan including internal and external consulting factors. Implementing Public Relations activities including understanding and handling the media and the press, explaining technical information, communicating about risks and responding to warnings. Notification priorities and protocols. Developing information centers and methods and tools for disseminating information during emergencies.SOCI549 - Disaster Response & Emergency Operations - 2 cr
Study of the phases of disaster response and recovery with attention to local, state and national roles and expectations. Models of emergency management operations including communication, coordination, and chief executive decision making under conditions of disaster response will be emphasized. Attention will be given to the problems and concerns of recovery of victims and communities and the implications of disaster recover efforts. SOCI578 - Principles & Practice of Hazards Mitigation - 3 cr
Study of preparedness as related to hazards in the local community with attention to means of mitigation as well as planning measures. Includes IS modules IS 271 Anticipating Hazardous Weather & Community Risk and IS 240 Hazardous Materials Prevention.SOCI514 - Migrant and Refugee Issues - 2-3cr
This course will study fundamental theories and concepts regarding voluntary migration (migrant issues) and forced migration (refugee issues). It will also address the main political, social, economic and environmental push and pull factors that influence immigration and emigration within the framework of globalization. CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr

Gender and Development
SOCI510 - Gender Roles in Contemporary Society - 3 cr
Significant issues related primarily to the concerns of women as members of American society, but also in cross-cultural perspective. Includes such topics as socialization in sex roles, women in the professions, women in minority groups, the feminization of poverty, and women and substance abuse and crime. CIDS 585 - Gender, Economic Development, and Poverty Reduction - 3 cr
Introduces the linkages between gender equality and growth & poverty-reduction, and enhances students' ability to participate in the design and implementation of poverty-reduction strategies. Explores the concepts of gender inequality as it relates to poverty; discusses the importance of gender issues in economic development and how they relate to attaining the Millennium Development Goals. Other concepts to be covered: Access to education, health, labor markets, employment opportunities, and productive resources as they affect growth. SOCI560 - Family Resource Management - 3 cr
Principles of sound management of resources including time, money, and energy as they relate to individuals and groups throughout the lifespan, with emphasis on the family. Offered odd years. CIDS590 - Issues in Gender and Development - 3 cr
Familiarizes students with the main analytic debates in the field of gender and development. Institutional domains (households, family and kinship, the market, the community and the state) through which gender relations are both defined and transformed receive separate attention. An introductory survey of conceptual approaches to gender is followed by a treatment of central topics which include: the move from WID (women in development) to GAD (gender and development ) as critical perspectives in development studies, conceptual approaches to households, men and masculinities in development, globalization and women's employment, gender, state, and governance, women's movements and state-civil society relations, gender, conflict and post-conflict, and an appraisal of prospects for gender-aware planning and empowerment.CIDS 575 - Topics - 3 cr

Global Health
NRSG517 - Health Care Systems - 3 cr
Examines the organizational structure of health-care systems in the United States and other countries. Alternative approaches for the delivery of health care are compared with consideration of quality-related, economical, and ethical concerns.SOCI554 - Community Health & Human Disease - 3 cr
Examines in-depth emerging issues in the behavioral sciences. May be repeated in different specialized areas. FDNT 545 - Nutrition and Wellness Program - 2-4 cr
Development of nutrition and wellness programs for community groups emphasizing health promotion. Includes participation in community assessment, program planning, implementation, and evaluation of a program. FDNT 570 - Maternal & Child Health - 3 cr
Preventive health care and conditions necessary for mother and child well-being in developing countries. Community-based interventions for child survival. Management of maternal and child health programs.CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr

International Relations and Development

PLSC585 - Seminar in International Relations - 3 cr
An examination of the study and practice of international relations, including the roles played by nation states, international organizations, international law, power, morality, globalization and terrorism. Special emphasis will be placed on the alternative theories and models that have been employed in the study and practice of international relations from classical antiquity to the present. CIDS565 - Institutions in Development - 3 cr
Overview of the effect of formal and informal institutions on development, combining in-depth case studies of a variety of domestic and international institutions with theoretical and empirical insights from development disciplines (comparative politics, political economy, international relations, and economics). SOCI515 - Racial & Ethnic Relations - 3 cr
A study of the distinctive racial and cultural minorities in American society with an emphasis on problems and adjustments within the larger society.CIDS560 - Political Economy of Development - 3cr
Overview of the political economy of developing countries and the complex interplay of international system, international economic and political economy factors that influence development initiatives and outcomes. Discuss the relation of globalization, trade, aid, and international economic and development institutions on development activity. Specific topics include development and economic policy, civil society, alternative development models, democracy, authoritarianism, sustainable development and gender.SOCI565 - Demography - 3 cr
Overview of the world's population: spatial dimensions of human populations: fertility concepts, measurements, trends, levels, and explanations; mortality and migration; population structures, life chances; population growth, economic development and the environment.COMM536 - Issues in Intercultural Communication - 3 cr
Examination of intercultural communication issues with specific applications to student's chosen fields of enquiry or employment. Students explore critical issues influencing the effectiveness of their interaction with individuals from varied cultures in specific organizational and social contexts.CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr

NGO Development and Operations

ACCT455 - Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations - 3 cr
The study of the fundamental accounting systems used by government, hospitals, colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit organizations. Topics include the budgeting process, and the analysis and interpretation of governmental and not-for-profit financial statements. BSAD560 - Intercultural Business Relations - 3 cr
Study of the role of culture in business, aims to develop skills in cross-cultural communication and negotiations; and prepare the student for the increasing cultural diversity in the workplace. A research paper and a project are required.BSAD556 - Topics in Entrepreneur - TBD cr
BSAD670 - Human Resources Seminar - 3 cr
Topics may include human resources planning, job analysis and design, recruitment, screening and selection, training and career development, performance evaluation, compensation and rewards, affirmative action, discipline, unions, grievances, and conflict resolution. Emphasis on cases, projects, and research. MKTG540 - Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations - 3 cr
The study of marketing concepts and tools for not-for-profit institutions. Topics include marketing research, conducting a marketing audit, communication strategy, publicity, development and philanthropy. A field project and case analysis are required. COMM536 - Issues in Intercultural Communication - 3 cr
Examination of intercultural communication issues with specific applications to student's chosen fields of enquiry or employment. Students explore critical issues influencing the effectiveness of their interaction with individuals from varied cultures in specific organizational and societal contexts. CIDS575 - Topics - 3 cr
One of:
BSAD515 - Organizational Behavior - 3 cr
Application of behavioral sciences to management. The examination of contemporary theories and principles of human behavior. Topics include perception, personality, attitudes, emotions, motivation, leadership, decision making, communication, group processes, diversity, organizational change, self-awareness, and stress management. A research paper and case analysis are required. CIDS515 - Organization & Human Resources - 3 cr
This course teaches students to apply psychological theories and principles to the inner workings of organizations. The following topics are discussed in detail: employee selection and training, small group behavior, leadership, attitudes and motivation, power and politics, and strategies for fostering organizational change. Students will learn to interpret research findings accurately and responsibly, and there will be a special emphasis on learning to conduct empirical research in organizational settings.BSAD530 - Management of NPO - 3
Issues facing managers in third-sector organizations. Studies of the mission and objectives pursued, strategic leadership and board composition, organizational structure and operation, marketing and fund-raising, financial management, training and motivation of volunteers, assessment of stakeholder satisfaction and overall operating effectiveness. A major field project and a library research project are required.

DSRE608 - Youth & Young Adult in Contemporary Culture - 2 cr
A study of current developments in youth culture and the influence of youth culture on young people both in the church and the community. Students formulate a strategic response relevant to Seventh-Day Adventist ministry to youth. DSRE626 - Ministry to At-Risk Youth - 2cr
This course addresses the theory, practice and application of helping skills to at-risk youth. Emphasis is placed on biblical solutions to real life secular problems. Students will experience and develop effective social skills to work with at-risk youth, focusing on prevention, redirection and restoration skills. DSRE564 - Advanced Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership - 3cr
Application of biblical principles of youth ministry leadership to the concrete issues and settings of contemporary youth ministry. Treats topics such as: small groups for youth; sexuality and dating; music; programming. DSRE636 - Seminar in Youth Ministry - 3cr
Formulation of a comprehensive ministry for a specific age group, culture, situation or approach (e.g. campus chaplaincy, childhood, adolescence, young adult, African American, Hispanic, youth evangelism, visionary leadership). DSRE678 - Spiritual Nature of Children - 2cr
Examines the spiritual needs of children and young adolescents in light of their physical, social, emotional, and mental development. Considers the nurturing roles of parents and teachers in the church and day school. Practicum activity required. CHMN553 - Church and Social Issues - 2cr
This course explores the biblical and theological foundations for the church's moral and social engagement in the local community. It combines academic theory and praxis with a biblically-informed perspective on contemporary society, and equips students with the tools required for their responsible involvement in society as prophetic change agents. CHMN574 - Perspectives in Church Marketing - 2cr
A survey of cutting-edge marketing principles used in the accomplishment of the church's mission, including programs intended to attract and serve current and prospective church members. Topics include selecting and understanding target audiences, strategic marketing planning, developing and branding church programs, promotion strategies, fund raising, attracting volunteers, and evaluating program effectiveness.CHMN623 - Innovative Evangelism - 2cr
Seeks to stimulate new ideas for evangelizing population groups that may be difficult to reach with more traditional methods, as well as broadening the means by which people might be attracted to the gospel. This may involve a review of unique approaches that have been tried by others as well as the development of original plans by students. CHMN656 - Holistic Small Groups - 2-3cr
A thorough examination of Affinity Groups/Free Market Groups showing their effectiveness and a purpose in church ministry. Also explores the key principles of Holistic Small Groups, a major factor of Natural Church Development, as well as the importance of developing an effective equipping system to grow disciples into disciple-makers. SOCI510 - Gender Roles in Contemporary Society - 3cr
Significant issues related primary to the concerns of women as members of American society, but also in cross-cultural perspective. Includes such topics as socialization in sex roles, women in the professions, women in minority groups, the feminization of poverty, and women and substance abuse and crime. SOCI515 - Racial and Ethnic Relations - 3cr
A study of the distinctive racial and cultural minorities in American society with an emphasis on problems and adjustments within the larger society. CIDS550 - Education for Sustainable Development - 3cr
Provides an overview of education for sustainability. Focuses on international projects and organizations that address education for sustainable development. Explores education as a means to address development issues such as social justice, poverty, food security, globalization, etc. Covers different educational approaches and models that ensure a health environment, vibrant community, and equitable society. CIDS580 - Organizational & Community Leadership - 1-2cr
Focus on leadership theories and strategies. Students develop the capacity to apply these theories and strategies adaptively in leadership situation within organizational and community context. Students explore how leadership styles, communication, planning, organizing, decision making, an marketing impact organizational and community change. CIDS590 - Issues in Gender and Development - 3cr
Familiarizes students with the main analytic debates in the field of gender and development. Institutional domains (households, family and kinship, the market, the community, and the state) through which gender relations are both defined and transformed receive separate attention. An introductory survey of conceptual approaches to gender is followed by a treatment of central topics which include: the move from WID (women in development) to GAD (gender and development) as critical perspectives in development studies, conceptual approaches to households, men and masculinity in development, globalization and women's employment, gender, state and governance, women's movements and the state-civil society relations, gender, conflict and post conflict, and an appraisal of prospects for gender-aware planning and empowerment.